Patent makes HIST-ory

03 Apr 2019

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s world-leading HIST (flu test) research team has reached another milestone with the final major patent granted.

HIST, is a blood test that helps to identify which patients infected with influenza may be at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The test only needs a single drop of blood and a few hours to predict, with 91 per cent accuracy, patients who may develop secondary infections such as pneumonia.

HIST is now protected by patents in the USA, Japan, China, Europe and Australia and helps pave the way for further development and commercialisation.

Associate Professor Benjamin Tang says the project, which began in 2009, is helping to establish a good model for the District to translate research from lab bench to bedside.

“Ultimately what we would like to have is a bedside, or a point of care, test,” says Professor Tony McLean. “We believe we can identify those who are going to become seriously unwell.”

The research team includes: Tony McLean, Maryam Shojaei, Grant Parnell and Benjamin Tang with Sally Teoh.